Global auto majors to export 300,000 cars from Ennore Port

Multinational auto majors, including Ford, Toyota, Renault and Nissan, together are expected to export around 300,000 cars from Ennore Port near Chennai in the next two years. These OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) have their manufacturing facilities on the outskirts of the city.

SP Velumani, chairman and managing director, Ennore Port Limited, the country’s first corporate port set up by the ministry of shipping, said that the port had handled 104,000 cars last year and was expected to cross 160,000 cars this year, 180,000 units next year and touch 300,000 units in the next two years, which was the full capacity of the port.

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Speaking to Business Standard on the sidelines of the flagging-off ceremony of Renault’s first export consignment from Ennore, Velumani said Japanese auto major Nissan's exports, which were expected to be 120,000 units this year, would increase to 180,000 units in the next two years.

It may be noted that Nissan had set up a manufacturing facility at Oragadam near Chennai. The facility was set up along with French auto major Renault. Renault India on Friday commenced the export of its first batch of sports utility vehicle (SUV) Duster.

Marc Nassif, managing director of Renault India, said that the first consignment was for UK and Ireland. Renault India has made its foray into right-hand drive markets across the globe.

“The Oragadam facility is currently the only plant globally to produce the right-hand drive Duster, which will be sold in the domestic market as well as exported from here. India will be the right-hand hub for Renault," Nassif said.

Both Nassif and Velumani did not comment on Renault’s export numbers. “We will look at the possible right-hand drive countries, especially wherever Renault has a presence."

While Toyota is looking at 30,000 units this year, which is expected to increase to 80,000 units, US auto major Ford is expected to export 30,000 units.